Hike planned for Saturday at King-Swett Ranches

Hike the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo known as the King-Swett Ranches from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday with naturalist Jim Walsh. He will share insights about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home.

Take advantage of this special opportunity because the King-Swett Ranches are otherwise closed to the public.

On a clear day you can see views from atop King Ranch that sweep across the Suisun Marsh all the way to the Sierra, with Mount Diablo rising to the south. From the western edge of Vallejo-Swett Ranch, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais, the San Francisco and San Pablo bays, the Napa River and marshes.

All ages are welcome, but participants must be prepared for a strenuous pace hiking 4 to 6 miles off-trail, up and down rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds, thorny plants, and thistle, passing free-range cattle along the way.

Bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks; boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip for rugged, steep, and slippery off-trail terrain; long, sturdy pants and layered clothes that you don't mind getting dirty; and protection from sun, wind, fog and rain. Binoculars, a camera, bug repellent, hiking sticks and gaiters are also recommended.

Meet Walsh promptly beside his white "TruGreen" pickup truck, at the Park-and-Ride lot where McGary Road, Hiddenbrooke Parkway, and American Canyon Road intersect (on the Hiddenbrooke side of the American Canyon/Hiddenbrooke Parkway exit, off Interstate 80). Be ready to carpool or caravan from there to the trailhead.